KAREN VIBERT-KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette The Wawa is taking shape on Maynard Street across from Penn College in Williamsport.

The City of Williamsport is positioned to have more places to eat, grab refreshment, gas up or for electric vehicles owners to charge up, learn about new environmental programs and reside for the long-term.

Gary Knarr, the city zoning officer at the Bureau of Codes, when asked about the latest building, planning and zoning activities in the city described the office as “very busy.”

Among the anticipated businesses are a WAWA, which is under construction at Maynard Street and First streets, with much of the external structure up, an adjoining Chick-fil-A, a Domino’s on West Third Street, a Dollar General on West Fourth Street, a Clean Energy House at Park and Second streets, Jackass Brewing Co. refurbishment of a building at Third and Hepburn streets and, on the housing front, several single-family residences and townhomes.

“We are championing many positive transformations within our city through projects like WAWA and Chick-fil-A, alongside new housing developments and other community initiatives such as public safety, infrastructure, and parks and recreation,” Mayor Derek Slaughter said.

“It’s clear,” he continued, “that our collaborative efforts are shaping a brighter future.”

“These investments not only provide essential services and create jobs but also foster a sense of community among our residents,” Slaughter said. “Each new development continues to pave the way in creating a more vibrant, solvent city.”

The WAWA and adjoining Chick-fil-A were developed in coordination with FamVest Partners, the State College development firm active in the region.

Chick-fil-A officials have applied for building permits that are being reviewed, Knarr said.

The Maynard Street location is close to Interstate 180. It will also serve the Pennsylvania College of Technology students and faculty, many of whom will be able to walk from the campus and off-campus housing to the store and it will serve the neighborhood and region.

Famvest officials originally projected there to be $20-million-plus in development at the sites that would provide employment opportunities for those seeking jobs in the city and in Greater Williamsport.

City Council recognized the potential and authorized $1 million in American Rescue Plan funds for the initial infrastructure such as sewer and water. Those funds are related to COVID-19 relief and were a part of the $25.4 million awarded to the City of Williamsport, much of which has been allocated before the 2024 end-year deadline.

The funds must be spent by the end of 2026.

Williamsport Municipal Water and Sanitary Authority will provide water and sanitary lines, according to Michael Miller, authority executive director.

Also under construction is a Dollar General at the west end of Fourth Street and a Domino’s on West Third Street, the latter which is expected to be completed by the end of the year, according to Knarr.

Jackass Brewing Co., at the corner of Hepburn and Third streets, is having T-Ross Brothers finishing up its rehabilitation construction of the building in preparation for an opening, based on visible inspection of the property.

Several single-family homes are also under construction as part of a plan to re-energize the housing market, Knarr said. The JBAS Realty-led apartment renovation at the former YMCA and Children’s Development Workshop building at Elmira and West Fourth streets is progressing.

On the educational end, several Pennsylvania College of Technology projects are in the works, one of which is a Clean Energy House, for students and outreach programs, on the corner of Park and Second streets.

Building permits add to the city budget revenue side each year.

Fees and permits are among the items that are included in the annual budget on the revenue side. Council members usually take a look at these figures to gauge the progress or trend in new building construction.

A building/zoning permit application fee of $30 to $140-plus. The cost depends on the total cost of construction. Another Act 45 fee of $4.50 is added, according to the Bureau of Codes.

The type of construction can be for single family dwellings, educational, two-family, assembly, multi-family, institutional, business and industrial.

If a job is over $10,000, it is $141-plus $15 for each additional $1,000. It is one of many fees that may be assessed depending on the project.